To address the increasing global demand for smart meters, Freescale
Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) has introduced the new Kinetis M series of
microcontrollers (MCUs), based on the 32-bit ARM (News - Alert)® CortexTM-M0+
core. The Kinetis M series was designed specifically to enable a wide
range of cost-effective one- or two-phase electrical meter designs.

To address the increasing global demand for smart meters, Freescale Semiconductor (News - Alert) (NYSE: FSL) has introduced the new Kinetis M series of microcontrollers (MCUs), based on the 32-bit ARM(R) CortexTM-M0+ core. The Kinetis M series was designed specifically to enable a wide range of cost-effective one- or two-phase electrical meter designs. (Photo: Business Wire)

Some Kinetis M series devices integrate the necessary peripherals to
build a single-chip, cost-effective meter that does not require external
components, while others are precision analog interface devices when
used in multi-chip, higher-end smart meter applications.

Smart meters provide a cost-effective means to monitor energy use and
maximize energy efficiency and are expected to contribute to the
reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. The
U.S. Department of Energy estimates that smart-grid-enabled energy
distribution would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 25 percent.
While many governments are pushing smart energy initiatives,
geographical and regional differences in infrastructure and energy usage
patterns have created vastly different smart metering needs. To address
these varying requirements, the Kinetis M series is configurable and is
included in multiple reference designs for different regions, enabling
countries to specifically address their individual energy management
needs.

"By tailoring dedicated reference designs to meet specific regional
needs, we are enabling governments and utilities to invest in the next
generation of energy conservation with less effort and cost required on
their end," said Dr. Reza Kazerounian, senior vice president and general
manager of Freescale's Automotive, Industrial & Multi-market Solutions
Group. "The Kinetis M series adds metrology solutions to our
comprehensive smart metering portfolio, in addition to recently
introduced applications processing and wireless connectivity solutions."

All Kinetis M series devices include an analog front end (AFE), which
enables power calculations from the CPU to achieve 0.1 percent accuracy.
The AFE is configurable to adapt to many regions and is composed of four
24-bit Sigma-Delta analog-to-digital (ADC (News - Alert)) converters, two low-noise
programmable gain amplifiers to enable a dynamic range of 2000 to 1, one
precision voltage reference with low drift over temperature range and a
phase shift compensator to simplif accurate power computation. The AFE
requires a single point of calibration - enabling OEMs to reduce
manufacturing test costs.

Security is critical for metering applications, and the Kinetis M series
integrates several key features for protection, including:

A memory protection unit to help prevent unauthorized code
modifications

Freescale is currently sampling the Kinetis KM3x family MCUs, with the
support of the CodeWarrior Development Studio and reference designs.
Broad availability through authorized distributors is expected in the
second quarter of 2013. For more information, visit www.freescale.com/KM3x.

About Metering, Billing/CRM Europe

With more than 5,000 expected attendees, this event is billed as the
world´s largest smart utility exhibition that offers a unique networking
platform for decision-makers in the utility business concerned with
smart metering, data management, billing and customer issues.

Freescale is exhibiting in booth D06, demonstrating a variety of smart
metering solutions based on the Kinetis KM3x for metrology, a sub-GHz
wireless MCU and the Kinetis KW20 wireless MCU with integrated ZigBee®
support.

About Freescale Semiconductor

Freescale Semiconductor (NYSE: FSL) is a global leader in embedded
processing solutions, providing industry-leading products that are
advancing the automotive, consumer, industrial and networking markets.
From microprocessors and microcontrollers to sensors, analog integrated
circuits and connectivity - our technologies are the foundation for the
innovations that make our world greener, safer, healthier and more
connected. Some of our key applications and end-markets include
automotive safety, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, next generation
wireless infrastructure, smart energy management, portable medical
devices, consumer appliances and smart mobile devices. The company is
based in Austin, Texas, and has design, research and development,
manufacturing and sales operations around the world. www.freescale.com